Grand Slam Captain Says 'Give It A Try'

The Irish Rugby Football Union and Grand Slam winning captain Fiona Coghlan today encouraged women and girls who are interested in fitness to take up rugby as they launched a nationwide recruitment drive asking them to 'Give it a try'.

The 'Give it a try' campaign, which highlights the many benefits of rugby, including fun, fitness and friendship, will see clubs nationwide host open days during August and September.

Launching the campaign, Grand Slam heroine Fiona Coghlan said: "I have played rugby for over 12 years and it has given me opportunities that I never dreamt possible. I am delighted that our Grand Slam success has encouraged more girls to get involved.

"Rugby is a fantastic, inclusive sport where there is a role and position for everyone. Being a member of a club allows people to be involved in a fun, friendly environment that guarantees fitness and camaraderie.

"It also offers opportunities to represent your club, province and country. I urge anyone with an interest in getting fit and making friends to 'Give it a try!"

Looking forward to facing England on Sunday, Ireland winger Tommy Bowe said: "We've trained very well this week, we're really excited about the game. It's about going out there and doing whatever we can to get ourselves that win."

Second row Devin Toner previews Ireland's crunch RBS 6 Nations clash with England, saying: "It's a pretty formidable English pack. Attwood and Kruis have played fantastically well. They're well drilled and focused and their scrum and lineout are very good."

Looking forward to facing England this weekend, Ireland back rower Sean O'Brien said: "It's obviously exciting, but it's one game at a time. I don't think there's any more pressure on us than in the first two games. That's the way you have to look at it."

Irish Rugby TV sat down with Ireland Under-20 scrum coach John Fogarty to talk about the U-20 Six Nations so far and Friday's clash with England at Donnybrook. Tickets are on sale on www.ticketmaster.ie.

Shane Byrne and Malcolm O'Kelly preview the Ireland v England Legends match which takes place at Donnybrook this coming Saturday (kick-off 7.30pm). Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie. All proceeds from the game will go to support the IRFU Charitable Trust and the RFU All Schools Charity.

Watch highlights from the Ireland team announcement press conference as Joe Schmidt reveals the team to play France. Peter O'Mahony says it is good to 'have some big figures back' for Saturday's clash.